Nan, Wiz/Fall Out Boy, and Mount Rainier

The past three weeks have flown by! Typical summer speed. Nan came to visit, and we ate lots and drank a fair amount - as expected. It was a short weekend trip, but we managed to squeeze in some good eats and a seafood bake before she left. Shrimp, crab, corn, and Korean goodies!

We also saw Wiz Khalifa and Fall Out Boy at the White River Amphitheatre that same weekend. Both sets were SO GOOD, and they even did two songs together. I went more for Fall Out Boy, and the guys only wanted to see Wiz; I ended up loving Wiz's stage presence just as much. And when Fall Out Boy did "Dance, Dance' and 'This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race,' I felt 19 again!!!!!!! I ended up buying one concert t-shirt for each performer. I had so much fun!

Work has been really busy, and I'm working on a few projects that are really stressful but exciting. They're totally worth the stress because these projects will directly impact my team (and work processes) in the long run. I'm hoping to take more classes in Fall, but I guess we'll see how my schedule looks in a couple of weeks. I attended the PSBJ Washington's Best Workplaces event at Safeco field last week, and had a blast. As cheesy as it sounds, I still feel so lucky to be loving my job and my company.

It's been at least a few weeks since the last nature adventure, but today we hiked Mount Rainier with Nick and Fei. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed in state parks. The Fremont trail was really easy, but a good workout nonetheless. We also got some great views! And I've always wanted to explore Mount Rainier. =)

On the way up! 

WE SAW A MARMOT. 

Forrest and Mandy do Rachel Lake Trail

Unlike our regular (and local) 4-mile hikes, Rachel Lake is an "intermediate" rated 8+ mile hike just past Snoqualmie Pass. And boy, it sure was challenging.

The first 2 miles were what I was expecting for an "intermediate" hike. We breezed through the first half of the incline, with our group of 10, and only stopped twice for photos. The second 2 miles of the incline were treacherous and steep! The giant rocks, slippery stream crossings, and intimidating tree roots in constant succession were difficult for me. Although, the others who are actually in shape fared better... of course.

At the end of the ascent, we relaxed at Rachel Lake, which I had assumed would be at the bottom of the mountain. No, it's between 2 mountain peaks! And it's beautiful, with refreshing icy water to dip your tootsies in. It felt SO NICE to get those hiking boots off for a while. During our break, Forrest befriended and cuddled up with a nice man who had a beach towel. These dogs ain't loyal!

After enjoying the scenery, we headed back down the mountain. The first half of the descent was ROUGH. More rough than ascending, methinks! I stepped gingerly through the trail, low and slow, and I was especially careful because Forrest was pulling me downhill. It was stressful scanning between my footing, the high brush whipping my face, and the leash to make sure that Forrest had enough slack or support when he made his own calculated leaps. By the time we got to the second half of the ascent, I was so relieved to not be going downhill anymore. But our exhausted legs still had 2 more miles to go. I felt like it was never going to end. Matt, Forrest, and I finished our 3 bottles of water shortly after we had begun descending. The summer mid-afternoon sun was beating down on us.

This is, by far, the most difficult hike that Forrest has experienced, and toward the end he literally gave up. He normally pulls for the duration of our hikes, and can't contain himself. Today, toward the end, he didn't want to lead anymore. As I was walking, I felt a strong resistance from the leash, and when I turned around Forrest had turned on his side and was being dragged on the gravel. POOR FORREST! After some encouraging words, he was on his feet again to finish the hike. I was elated when we finally reached the parking lot! The first half of the group had finished ~30 minutes before us, and were waiting with the cars running and A/C on full blast. LOL. Matt and I finished about 10 minutes before the last of us.

On the way home, we stopped for refreshing beverages and ended up getting Icees from Burger King for FREE! Best way to end a hike. The dogs were both pooped, and Matt, Chelsie, and I were tired too.. until we got the Icees!

Pretty sure I shouldn't do any more intermediate+ hikes until I start working out regularly. Even though today was fun and challenging, I'm mostly happy that I didn't hurt myself. I must say, though, that the struggle was worth it for the occasion. We had a good group of people, gorgeous weather, and amazing PNW terrain. Can't complain about that!

Crawfish Berfday

For my last 20-something birthday, I decided to do a crawfish party... since I love crawfish so much! I thought a lot of people would be out of town or busy this weekend for EDC and Father's Day festivities, but actually a lot of people showed up!!!

It was a feast for sure, but we were pretty accurate in estimating how much food to have ready. The 10 lbs. of crawfish boil was exactly enough, and there was plenty of other BBQ to keep people satiated! I was especially tired because Matt, Chelsie, and I hiked Poo Poo Point (Chirico trail) in the morning, but I managed to stay awake until night time! I got to use my new presents during hiking (the hiking pack and Hydro Flask)!! They were just what I needed. Anyway, I think night time was longer than anyone expected me to last, LOL.

I wasn't expecting to, but I got even more presents! Chels gave me this really awesome single serving smoothie/slushy maker.... OMG so perfect for summer. And she included the sweetest card! David V. also brought over a whole box of sweet cherries. YUMMY!!!! I've already used both of these gifts together to make a deeeericious and healthy smoothie. I can't wait to make more through the summer!

Until now, I was kind of unsure about celebrating my birthday in Seattle. I'm so glad that I did this year, because I was able to usher in the new year with so many great friends that I've accumulated since I've moved! This was a very happy birthday, indeed.

And it's not even my birthdayyyyy (yet)

The birthday festivities started early this year...

Andy is so good at giving meaningful gifts! He sent me a CD album from Striking Matches, with a really cute note. And he totally nailed it, as usual, because I can't even decide which song from the album is my favorite. I've been listening to it every day!! I also got a super glitzy card from Menie, LOL. I love it. =)

Matt gave me a bunch of thoughtful gifts that I definitely needed for my gardening, hiking, and working out hobbies. I'm already planning to use my new HydroFlask, SOL Republic ear buds, and hiking pack on Saturday morning for Poo Poo Point! The seed set will probably need to wait until fall, since it's been so freaking hot! I've also been wanting to paint more, so he also got me an acrylic set for canvas art projects!!

AND my coworkers took me to London Plane for lunch, AND Jill baked me a brownie cake. It, is, so good. AND Marissa even got me birthday bubbles. This is the best birthday ever.

And, of course, my mama and brother gave me especially generous gifts this year. I am so lucky!

Forrest and Mandy do Coal Creek Trail - Hike yeah!

Summer came early this year! This week has been a scorcher... we might have to start using the air conditioning in the house soon. I've never lived this far from water! Totally missing the cool breezes...

Forrest and Mandy had another hiking adventure! This time we did Coal Creek Trail on Cougar Mountain (rawr!) and we got to break in our new boots because the hike was super easy.

How sad that the creek didn't have any water at the bottom! 

And here's a giant booby trap! Just kidding. That's what I thought it was from afar, though.

Coincidentally, we were talking about Henry Ford and Michigan today! 

And that's all, folks! 

We took the trail that passes through the waterfall, and there wasn't very much water up there either. What a bummer... I guess that's a reminder that no one is safe from drought. Not even the 'rainy' city! 

As we were leaving the mountain, Chelsie and I discussing our next adventure. She yelled, "heck yeah" which prompted me to yell "hike yeah" LOL. I think that's a thing now. Yeah, it's definitely a thing. 

Forrest and Mandy do Rattlesnake Ledge Trail

Upon realizing that we had another gorgeous summer-like weekend ahead of us, and no plans, Matt and I decided to do a last-minute hike! We chose the 'easiest' hike in the area, and met Chelsie and Mandy for our first real dog hike.

First of all, it's ridiculous that there two very similar locations - Rattlesnake Ledge Trail and Rattlesnake Ridge. Matt and I had never been, so we went to Rattlesnake Ridge (which is what everyone calls it). However, Chelsie and Mandy were at Rattlesnake Ledge Trail! BOO!

After that fiasco, we finally found Chelsie and Mandy, and it was smooth sailing from then. The hike was pretty steep, but not too long or difficult. Our pups made it to the top just fine! Thankfully we started in the morning, so when we were inclining it wasn't too hot. By the time we got back to the bottom of the trail, the parking lots were overflowing (that's an understatement) and it turned out to be a fully sunny day in the mid-80s. We explored the lake area for a while, and it was beautiful!

I think easy dog hikes will be our summer thing this year. And I think that I'll need some legit hiking shoes, because Nikes were not cutting it. LOL. I need ankle support... what an old fart!

Much needed break

The view

Sean brought Walla over when we got home, and we all enjoyed the sunshine from our backyard. We brought out the kiddie pool for the puppies, but they weren't interested. Instead, we ended up standing in the kiddie pool to cool our toesies, LOL. 

I'm so excited for summer! And I can't wait for our next hike. I'm thinking we may try Tiger Mountain next? Perhaps I should get poles too. =) 

Forrest and Mandy do Discovery Park

Last week, Seattle gave us a surprisingly beautiful Spring weekend with sunshine GALORE. So Forrest and Mandy went on a short hike through Discovery Park! This was my first time meeting Mandy, and she is such a sweetheart. She looks like a stuffed animal, and even though she's a younger dog she behaves in a much calmer manner than our dear Forrest.

There was a lot of mouth biting between wrestling. 

A few intense moments where both struggled for dominance.

And Forrest pulling his favorite rolls and spin moves! 

They played wonderfully together. They are perfect! 

And Forrest was on good behavior all day at the park. 

I brought a backpack along because I wasn't sure if Forrest would make it all the way to the end of the hike. I could tell he was exhausted after we were about halfway through, but he just kept trekking! Didn't have to carry him at all. The whole time, he was just excited to keep up with Mandy. I think these two will have many more hiking dates to look forward to! I also had a great time catching up with Chelsie, and I'm so glad that she suggested it. 

Summer Shenanigans

So now that summer is in full force, I've had more going on and less time to update this here blog! This weekend was a pretty productive one - made sangria, planted broccoli and tomato seeds, cooked up a batch of corned beef, went to Jozelle's No Pant's birthday party, grilled lightly seasoned chicken hearts, ordered Vibrams for hiking, made pate, and started watching United States of Tara! PHEW.

Over the past few weeks there was the Capitol Hill Block Party, hanging out at Juanita Beach, bbq at the Zante's house, wing cook-off between myself and Victor (I won, btw) and so much more. I LOVE SUMMER IN SEATTLE!